Search Results (617)

Climate change introduces a critical threat to global viticulture, compromising grape yield, quality, and the long-term sustainability of Vitis vinifera cultivation. Addressing these challenges requires innovative strategies to enhance grapevine resilience. The integration of multi-omics data, predictive breeding, and physiological insights into ripening and stress responses is refining our understanding of grapevine adaptation mechanisms. In parallel, recent advances in plant biotechnology have accelerated progress from marker-assisted and genomic selection to targeted genome editing, with CRISPR/Cas systems and other New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) offering advanced precision tools for sustainable improvement. This review synthesizes the major achievements in grapevine genetic improvement over time, tracing the evolution of strategies from traditional breeding to modern genome editing technologies. Overall, we highlight how combining genetics, biotechnology, and physiology is reshaping grapevine breeding towards more sustainable viticulture. The convergence of these disciplines establishes a new integrated framework for developing resilient, climate-adapted grapevines that maintain yield and quality while preserving varietal identity in the face of environmental change. Full article

Yeast biosensors represent a promising biotechnological innovation for ensuring the safety and quality of fermented beverages such as beer, wine, and kombucha. These biosensors employ genetically engineered yeast strains to detect specific contaminants, spoilage organisms, or hazardous compounds during fermentation or the final product. By integrating synthetic biology tools, researchers have developed yeast strains that can sense and respond to the presence of heavy metals (e.g., lead or arsenic), mycotoxins, ethanol levels, or unwanted microbial metabolites. When a target compound is detected, the biosensor yeast activates a reporter system, such as fluorescence, color change, or electrical signal, providing a rapid, visible, and cost-effective means of monitoring safety parameters. These biosensors offer several advantages: they can operate in real time, are relatively low-cost compared to conventional chemical analysis methods, and can be integrated directly into the fermentation system. Furthermore, as Saccharomyces cerevisiae is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), its use as a sensing platform aligns well with existing practices in beverage production. Yeast biosensors are being investigated for the early detection of contamination by spoilage microbes, such as Brettanomyces and lactic acid bacteria. These contaminants can alter the flavor profile and shorten the product’s shelf life. By providing timely feedback, these biosensor systems allow producers to intervene early, thereby reducing waste and enhancing consumer safety. In this work, we review the development and application of yeast-based biosensors as potential safeguards in fermented beverage production, with the overarching goal of contributing to the manufacture of safer and higher-quality products. Nevertheless, despite their substantial conceptual promise and encouraging experimental results, yeast biosensors remain confined mainly to laboratory-scale studies. A clear gap persists between their demonstrated potential and widespread industrial implementation, underscoring the need for further research focused on robustness, scalability, and regulatory integration. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.), a vital crop for global food and economic security, faces intensifying biotic and abiotic stresses driven by climate change, including drought, heat, and erratic rainfall. This review synthesizes emerging biotechnology-driven strategies designed to enhance maize resilience under these shifting environmental conditions. We present an integrated framework that encompasses CRISPR/Cas9 and next-generation genome editing, Genomic Selection (GS), Environmental Genomic Selection (EGS), and multi-omics platforms—spanning transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics. These approaches have significantly deepened our understanding of complex stress-adaptive traits and genotype-by-environment interactions, revealing precise targets for breeding climate-resilient cultivars. Furthermore, we highlight enabling technologies such as high-throughput phenotyping, artificial intelligence (AI), and nanoparticle-based gene delivery—including novel in planta and transformation-free protocols—that are accelerating translational breeding. Despite these technical breakthroughs, barriers such as genotype-dependent transformation efficiency, regulatory landscapes, and implementation costs in resource-limited settings remain. Bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and field deployment will require coordinated policy support and global collaboration. By integrating molecular breakthroughs with practical deployment strategies, this review offers a comprehensive roadmap for developing sustainable, climate-resilient maize varieties to meet future agricultural demands. Full article

The pursuit of fine chemicals from natural sources is advancing rapidly, driven by a growing demand for safe, sustainable, and high-performance ingredients in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. Emerging extraction and biotransformation technologies, including enzyme-assisted procedures, precision fermentation, and green solvent systems, are enabling the selective recovery of complex molecules with enhanced purity and stability. Simultaneously, AI-guided approaches to the discovery of bioactive compounds are accelerating the identification of multifunctional molecules exhibiting, for example, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant or microbiome-modulating activities. These developments not only expand the chemical diversity accessible to the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors but also promote the adoption of circular bioeconomy frameworks. Together, they define a new generation of natural fine chemicals with strong potential for targeted therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Accordingly, this commentary focuses on emerging trends and key technological advances in the use of renewable, natural sources for the production of fine chemicals relevant to cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It further highlights the critical roles of biotechnology, green chemistry, and digital innovation in shaping a more sustainable future for cosmetic and pharmaceutical chemistry. Full article

Artificial insemination (AI) is a key reproductive biotechnology for genetic improvement in sheep. However, its efficiency remains lower and more variable than in most other livestock species. This review critically synthesizes the historical foundations of sheep AI, including methodological principles established by the Soviet school, and evaluates how these concepts have been further developed and adapted to contemporary reproductive biology. Particular emphasis is placed on estrous synchronization protocols, semen processing and cryopreservation, and insemination techniques. We highlight how anatomical constraints of the ovine cervix, seasonal reproductive physiology, and species-specific characteristics of ram sperm collectively limit fertility outcomes, especially when frozen–thawed semen is used. Comparative analysis of cervical, transcervical, and laparoscopic insemination methods indicates that laparoscopic AI remains the most reliable approach, although recent advances in catheter design and semen handling have improved the feasibility of less invasive techniques. This review further discusses emerging approaches, including sperm sex-sorting, alternative recovery methods, and early-stage spermatogonial stem cell–based technologies, emphasizing both their potential applications and current limitations. Overall, the available evidence suggests that future progress in sheep AI will depend on the integrated optimization of hormonal synchronization, semen preservation, and insemination strategies, rather than on isolated technical innovations. Full article

The production of fats and oils represents a task that is in demand in a variety of industries, including the food industry. Presently, the predominant method of acquiring them is through the processing of plant and animal products, a process that substantially increases the cost of production at all stages. Oleaginous yeasts can serve as an alternative source for obtaining edible oils, as demonstrated by yeast strains employed in the development of palm oil analogues. In this study, we created and characterized a collection of oil-producing yeast species obtained from various natural sources. These species were identified using MALDI-TOF and Sanger sequencing. The isolates were qualitatively and quantitatively tested for their ability to grow on various culture media compositions. The oil-producing strains were characterized by their fatty acid profile and lipidome composition. In addition, we evaluated the biotechnological potential of these organisms as producers of fatty acid- and fat-related products. As a result, the collection contains 100 strains, 31 of which are oleaginous yeasts, and three strains show potential as promising producers of edible oil analogues. Our research demonstrates the benefits of searching for and studying natural yeast strains, both from a fundamental science perspective and for the creation of future innovative biotechnological solutions in the food industry. Full article

As a cornerstone of global agriculture, maize (Zea mays) is a crucial component of sustainable food systems and industrial uses. However, global agricultural production faces pressures from climate change, resource scarcity, and rising nutritional demands. To adapt to changes in their environment, plants evolved precise and sophisticated gene expression regulatory mechanisms. A majority of gene expression regulatory elements are located in promoters and untranslated regions of mRNA. This review aims to elucidate how promoters and 5′ untranslated regions function in complex synergy to regulate gene expression in maize. We discuss the structural organization of these regulatory elements, from their basic components to their integrated roles in shaping plant gene expression. Particular emphasis is placed on their significant impact on maize biotechnology, including strategies for controlling, fine-tuning, and enhancing gene expression for crop improvement. With this review we wish to guide future biotechnological innovations and food security. Full article

Activation of microglia and resulting neuroinflammation are central processes that significantly contribute to neurodegenerative disease progression. Treatments capable of attenuating neuroinflammation are therefore an urgent medical need. Vitis vinifera L., cultivated since ancient times for its fruits, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, polyphenols, the main bioactive molecules in V. vinifera extracts, exhibit considerable variability due to numerous hard-to-control factors, which complicates the production of standardized extracts with consistent biological activity. To address this issue, plant cell culture biotechnology was used to produce a highly standardized V. vinifera phytocomplex (VP), and its anti-neuroinflammatory profile was investigated in LPS-stimulated microglial cells, an in vitro model of neuroinflammation. VP reduced the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory phenotype, improved cell viability and cell number, attenuated NF-κB activation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and increased SIRT1 levels. To overcome VP’s poor water solubility, water-soluble cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-based formulations were developed and tested. VP-CNC formulations markedly reduced the BV2 pro-inflammatory phenotype and increased cell viability under both basal and LPS-stimulated conditions. The nanoformulations also decreased pERK1/2 levels and increased SIRT1 expression, exhibiting biological activities comparable to VP alone. V. vinifera phytocomplex derived from plant cell cultures represents an innovative and standardized product with promising anti-neuroinflammatory properties. Full article

Valorizing fruit and vegetable residues as renewable sources of bioactive compounds (BCs) is critical for advancing sustainable biotechnology. This review (i) assesses the occurrence, diversity and functionality of BCs in 20 edible plant residues; (ii) compares and classify them by botanical family and residue type; (iii) reviews and evaluates the efficiency of conventional and green extraction and characterization techniques for recovering phytochemical and isolating phenolics (e.g., flavonoids and anthocyanins), carotenoids, alkaloids, saponins, and essential oils; and (iv) examines the BCs’ environmental, medical, and industrial applications. It synthesizes current knowledge on the phytochemical potential of these crops, highlighting their role in diagnostics, biomaterials, and therapeutic platforms. Plant-derived nanomaterials, enzymes, and structural matrices are employed in regenerative medicine and biosensing. Carrot- and pumpkin-based nanoparticles accelerate wound healing through antimicrobial and antioxidant protection. Spinach leaves serve as decellularized scaffolds that mimic vascular and tissue microenvironments. Banana fibers are used in biocompatible composites and sutures, and citrus- and berry-derived polyphenols improve biosensor stability and reduce signal interference. Agro-residue valorization reduces food waste and enables innovations in medical diagnostics, regenerative medicine, and circular bioeconomy, thereby positioning plant-derived BCs as a cornerstone for sustainable biotechnology. The BCs’ concentration in fruit and vegetable residues varies broadly (e.g., total phenolics (~50–300 mg GAE/g DW), anthocyanins (~100–600 mg C3G/g DW), and flavonoids (~20–150 mg QE/g DW)), depending on the crop and extraction method. By linking quantitative food waste hotspots with phytochemical potential, the review highlights priority streams for the circular-bioeconomy interventions and outlines research directions to close current valorization gaps. Full article

The single-cell spatial transcriptomics (ST) data with cell type and spatial location, i.e., $(C,x,y)$ with C as cell type and $(x,y)$ as its spatial location, produced by recent biotechnologies, such as CosMx and Xenium, contain a huge amount of information about cancer tissue samples, thus have great potential for cancer research via detection of ST-Community which is defined as a collection of cells with distinct cell-type composition and similar neighboring patterns based on nearby cell-percentages. But for huge CosMx single-cell ST data, the existing clustering methods do not work well for st-community detection, and the commonly used kNN compositional data method shows lack of informative neighboring cell patterns. In this article, we propose a novel and more informative disk compositional data (DCD) method for single-cell ST data, which identifies neighboring patterns of each cell via taking into account of ST data features from recent new technologies. After initial processing single-cell ST data into the DCD matrix, an innovative DCD-TMHC computation method for st-community detection is proposed here. Extensive simulation studies and the analysis of CosMx breast cancer data, which is an example of single-cell ST dataset, clearly show that our proposed DCD-TMHC computation method is superior to other existing methods. Based on the st-communities detected for CosMx breast cancer data, the logistic regression analysis results demonstrate that the proposed DCD-TMHC computation method produces better interpretable and superior outcomes, especially in terms of assessment for different cancer categories. These suggest that our proposed novel and informative DCD-TMHC computation method here will be helpful and have an impact on future cancer research based on single-cell ST data, which can improve cancer diagnosis and monitor cancer treatment progress. Full article

Mycolic acids (MAs) are unique and essential components of the Mycobacterium cell envelope, pivotal for its structural integrity, impermeability, and intrinsic antibiotic resistance. These properties that underpin mycobacterial pathogenicity also render the MA biosynthetic pathway a rich resource of targets for anti-tuberculosis drug discovery. Concurrently, in the realm of industrial biotechnology, engineered non-pathogenic mycobacteria are being optimized for steroid drug bioproduction through strategic modulation of the MA pathway to enhance cell permeability and boost the yield of desired products. This review systematically delineates the MA biosynthetic pathway and its critical enzymes. It further summarizes recent progress in developing anti-tuberculosis therapeutics that inhibit these enzymes and discusses innovative engineering strategies that harness the same pathway of non-pathogenic mycobacteria for green steroid drug manufacturing. By bridging these two distinct fields, the review provides a holistic perspective and novel insights for advancing both infectious disease control and sustainable pharmaceutical production. Full article

The genus Aspergillus comprises over 600 species of filamentous fungi. This genus significantly impacts human health, food fermentation, and industrial biotechnology. With the in-depth research and applications of Aspergillus species in many fields, the establishment of efficient gene editing technologies is crucial for functional genomics studies and cell factory development. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated protein (CRISPR-Cas9) system, as a newly developed and powerful genome editing tool, has demonstrated exceptional potential for precise genetic modifications in various Aspergillus species. The continuous advancement of CRISPR-Cas9 technology has enabled precise gene editing and modification in both pathogenic and industrial Aspergillus strains, thereby driving innovations in pathogenicity attenuation, metabolic engineering, and functional genomics. Therefore, this review provides a concise overview of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, detailing its composition, working mechanism, and key functional features such as the role of the Cas9 protein and the protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs). Subsequently, we focus on the transformative applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in Aspergillus species, discussing its pivotal roles in elucidating pathogenic mechanisms, disrupting mycotoxin biosynthesis, and employing metabolic engineering to enhance the production of industrial enzymes, organic acids, and valuable natural products. Finally, we discuss future challenges and promising opportunities for applying CRISPR-Cas9 technology to advance the industrial biotechnology of Aspergillus species. Full article

Hydrogen production technologies are undergoing rapid diversification, driven by the dual imperative of decarbonization and resource circularity. While conventional water electrolysis, particularly PEM and alkaline systems, represents a mature and scalable solution for centralized hydrogen generation, biologically mediated pathways such as microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), dark fermentation, and anaerobic digestion are gaining visibility as decentralized, low-energy alternatives. This review presents a bibliometric analysis of hydrogen research from 2021 to 2026, based on three multi-query strategies that retrieved 6017 works in MQ1, 7551 works in MQ2, and 1930 works in MQ3. The year 2026 is included in the dataset because Scopus indexes articles already accepted and released in early access, assigning them their forthcoming official publication year. Keyword co-occurrence mapping using VOSviewer highlights thematic clusters and disciplinary shifts. The results reveal a strong dominance of electrochemical research, with biohydrogen production emerging as a distinct but less mature frontier rooted in biotechnology and environmental science. MECs, in particular, occupy a transitional zone between electrochemical and biological paradigms, offering multifunctional platforms for simultaneous waste valorization and hydrogen generation. However, their low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and unresolved engineering challenges limit their current scalability. The comparative analysis of bibliometric queries underscores the importance of integrating electrochemical and biotechnological approaches to build a resilient and context-adaptive hydrogen economy. This study provides a structured overview of the evolving knowledge landscape and identifies key directions for future interdisciplinary research and innovation. Full article

Enzyme engineering drives innovation in biotechnology, medicine, and industry, yet conventional approaches remain limited by labour-intensive workflows, high costs, and narrow sequence diversity. Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising this field by enabling rapid, precise, and data-driven enzyme design. Machine learning and deep learning models such as AlphaFold2, RoseTTAFold, ProGen, and ESM-2 accurately predict enzyme structure, stability, and catalytic function, facilitating rational mutagenesis and optimisation. Generative models, including ProteinGAN and variational autoencoders, enable de novo sequence creation with customised activity, while reinforcement learning enhances mutation selection and functional prediction. Hybrid AI–experimental workflows combine predictive modelling with high-throughput screening, accelerating discovery and reducing experimental demand. These strategies have led to the development of synthetic “synzymes” capable of catalysing non-natural reactions, broadening applications in pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and environmental remediation. The integration of AI-based retrosynthesis and pathway modelling further advances metabolic and process optimisation. Together, these innovations signify a shift from empirical, trial-and-error methods to predictive, computationally guided design. The novelty of this work lies in presenting a unified synthesis of emerging AI methodologies that collectively define the next generation of enzyme engineering, enabling the creation of sustainable, efficient, and functionally versatile biocatalysts. Full article

Microalgae represent some of the most promising eukaryotic platforms in biotechnology due to their rapid growth, simple cultivation requirements, reliance on sunlight as a primary energy source, and ability to synthesize high-value bioactive compounds. These characteristics have made microalgae attractive candidates in various fields, including biofuel production, carbon capture, and pharmaceutical development. However, several technical limitations have limited their large-scale use as sustainable biofactories. A paradigm shift is currently occurring thanks to the genetic manipulation of microalgae, driven by CRISPR-Cas technology. Significant progress has been made in the model species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, particularly in the targeted and efficient insertion of foreign DNA. Despite this progress, key challenges remain, and further optimization of CRISPR-Cas methodologies is needed to fully unleash the genetic potential of this organism. This review provides an overview of the convergence of CRISPR-Cas technologies in microalgae research, highlighting their impact on genetic studies, metabolic engineering, and industrial applications. It summarizes recent advances in microalgal genome editing through CRISPR systems, outlines current technical challenges, and highlights future directions for improving the implementation of this innovative technology in microalgal biotechnology. Full article